With 50 years of proven success, more than 70 published studies, and the latest in nutrition and behavior science, the Weight Watchers approach continues its reign as the recommended choice to lose weight and learn to keep it off in 2013

An independent panel of 20 diet and nutrition experts reviewed profiles of each plan, added their own fact-finding, and rated each diet in categories such as ease of compliance, diabetes control and management, heart health, weight loss, safety, and nutritional completeness. These rankings underscore the more than 70 studies published over the past 15 years that demonstrate the efficacy of the Weight Watchers approach to weight loss and health, making it the best choice to lose weight and learn to keep it off in 2013 and beyond.

"This recognition by independent diet and nutrition experts in the U.S. News & World Report rankings is further proof that Weight Watchers works," said David Kirchhoff, CEO, Weight Watchers International. "An overwhelming amount of scientific evidence suggests that the most effective path to weight-loss is one that goes beyond merely counting calories to include behavior change that includes things like group support, self-monitoring, use of digital tools and implementation of lifestyle changes. And now, with our new Weight Watchers 360° program, we've built on our history of success with a program perfectly designed for the world we live in today."

With the launch of PointsPlus® in late 2010, Weight Watchers took a critical step in delivering a program that nudges members toward more satisfying and nutrient dense foods, not just counting calories as many other plans do. And research shows that with Weight Watchers meetings and eTools, people can lose five times more weight than those who try to lose weight on their own[i].

Now, the new Weight Watchers 360° program offers a breakthrough approach with the PointsPlus® plan as its foundation plus new curriculum and tools to help members manage their food environment and establish daily routines that can become long-term healthy habits. One of those tools for members with eTools or Weight Watchers Online subscribers is the new Weight Watchers 360° mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android, which can be downloaded by first time subscribers and updated for current subscribers. The app features innovative ways to conveniently track food choices, manage environments, provide calm direction in common "panic moments," and jumpstart healthy routines, serving as the essential mobile support system for members with eTools or Weight Watchers Online subscribers.

About Weight Watchers International, Inc.Weight Watchers International, Inc. is the world's leading provider of weight management services, operating globally through a network of Company-owned and franchise operations. Weight Watchers holds over 45,000 meetings each week where members receive group support and learn about healthy eating patterns, behavior modification and physical activity. WeightWatchers.com provides innovative, subscription weight management products over the Internet and is the leading Internet-based weight management provider in the world. In addition, Weight Watchers offers a wide range of products, publications and programs for those interested in weight loss and weight control.

[i] Weight loss results after 12 weeks from a randomized clinical trial funded by Weight Watchers comparing people who were provided access to Weight Watchers meetings and eTools (including Mobile) to people who were asked to lose weight on their own and provided weight-loss educational materials.